Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some tips!

[february2003bride]

After 5 years as a stay at home mom and being out of the work force, I'm going back to work as a substitute teacher! I'm excited yet nervous at the same time. My primary teaching grades will be K-5th grade. I would love any tips that permanent teachers and any subs out there could share with a newbie sub!

Thanks so much!!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

Always bring emergency activities with you, teachers don't always leave work for you to do!

 

[KimberlyH]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

Print business cards w/ your name, sub number and phone # to leave with teacher and secretaries

Make friends w/ secretaries, they know EVERYTHING and will call you back

Have some books, games, etc. in case their are no plans. Things like hangman using social studies words are great time fillers

Always leave a brief note detailing what you did that day

Learn kids names as quickly as you can

Be open to SPED

 

[zoebartlett]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

If teaching permanently is something you'd consider doing in the future, be open to subbing at all grade levels.

It can be intimidating walking into a school for the first time without knowing anyone. Take the time though to get to know the teachers and let them get to know you. It always helps us get to know subs who eat lunch with us and chit chat throughout the day. Those are the ones we tend to call more often. We've developed a rapport with our subs, and we know them pretty well.

Don't be afraid to be firm with the students. If the teacher has a behavior plan in place, use it, and let the teacher know how the day went.

Some teachers leave very detailed plans but not everyone does. You could always play sight word bingo or addition/subtraction bingo if you're looking to fill time in the day.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[february2003bride]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

Thank you so much! I appreciate all the advice!

 

[MayFlowers]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

I'm currently a student teacher and seriously if there is one in the room you go to, use him or her! Let him teach the entire day or half the day and offer your help/assistance. The student teacher already knows all the children's names, the routines, behavior management, etc. and it will honestly help the kids get through the day if everything is kept as normal as possible. If I come to school and I see that my mentor teacher is absent, I expect to be teaching all day and just let the sub have an easy day. Not everyone will act like this, but most student teachers will take the opportunity to gain more experience when they can.

I agree with others, you should definitely make friends with secretaries and other teachers. If you get to know them and if they see that you don't let the class get out of control, they will definitely call you up!

You would also want to invest in a book of educational activities. I would just bring it with you every time and you can use it if you need to or not! There are so many out there and most are focused on one subject area.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Re: Going to work as a substitute teacher- would love some t

After 5 years as a stay at home mom and being out of the work force, I'm going back to work as a substitute teacher! I'm excited yet nervous at the same time. My primary teaching grades will be K-5th grade. I would love any tips that permanent teachers and any subs out there could share with a newbie sub!

Thanks so much!!

Are you going to be subbing in the same district as your kids are in? Maybe do a bit of volunteering on the side (in your kid's classrooms) so people get to know your face. The more you're recognized, the more comfortable everyone will be with you - and yes, the secretaries, etc., are great! Also, then you have the opportunity to have the students see you around as well. ETA - I'm not a teacher but have friends who are sub teachers. Most are also involved in the PTA, etc., to have as much involvement with the school(s) as possible.